Post Event report VHCC Round 1
Round 1 of the 2025 Trydel EZIUP and GO Victorian Hill Climb Championship kicked off with a bang at the historic Rob Roy on the 19th of January.
A capacity field of 110 entries rolled into Smiths Gully to take on the ‘long’ version of Rob Roy, with competitors coming from South Australia and Queensland to compete in Australia’s most competitive Hill Climb series.
Weather conditions were hot and dry, with many competitors enjoying the track conditions and setting personal best times throughout the day.
By the end of the day reigning VHCC Champion, Mike Barker and his Hayward06 had held off all comers with a best time of 23.90, edging out David Mahon in his Dallara Hayabusa who ran a 23.98 on his final run and the always spectacular Patrick Malanaphy in his Yacar CrossKart who ran a 24.15 on his final run.
Dean Tighe and his Empire Wraith made the huge trip down from Queensland to compete with Victoria's best, running 4th with a best time of 25.82 on an unfamiliar track. Keith Wilson rounded out the top 5 with a best time of 26.26 in his Ninja BH1.
David Bell was the fastest Tin Top in his Subaru WRX, running a 26.60, with David Harris keeping him honest on a 26.82 and Brenton Byfield rounding out the top 3 Tin Tops on a 27.51.
Christine Crombie proved to be the fastest up the Rob Roy hill, with a best time of 30.95, fast enough for 34th outright and 2nd in her class.
Fastest car across the speed trap at the top of the hill was Dean Tighe, at a very rapid 168kph – 12kph faster than the next car, David Mahon at 156kph!
In the class battles:
Lasith Liyanage (Toyota BRZ) pipped Daniel Leitner (Mazda MX5) 32.05 compared to 32.16
The Formula Vee battle between Ryan Nothard, Harold Roberts and Scott Slater was decided on the last runs of the day, with 0.66 seconds separating the 3 drivers.
Sports Sedans 2wd 2001cc and over podium was decided by 0.35 seconds, with Daryll Combridge (30.61) pipping Damien Reilly (30.74) and Gavin Langmuir (30.96).
For all the photos from Jojo at Seven70 Photography, please CLICK HERE and remember to tag Seven70 Photography in your social media posts!
Photo - Mike Barker on his way to Outright victory at Round 1 of VHCC. Photo credit - Jojo at Seven70 Photography.
Round 2 of the Trydel EZIUP and GO Victorian Hill Climb Championship is on the 22nd of February at Bryant Park. Entries are NOW OPEN.
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